Fall Color - Asters

We can thank the Victorians for making chrysanthemums the classic flower of autumn. Prior to that, the aster, or Michaelmas Daisy, was the symbol of the fall season. Instead of the rusty reds, oranges and yellows that make us think of fall, the purples, pinks and whites of asters were considered fall colors. The nickname “Michaelmas Daisy” refers to the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel which is celebrated on September 29 when the asters are blooming.

Asters come in a variety of colors | Source

Cultivation

Asters are perennials that are native to the Northern Hemisphere. They are hardy from growing zone 3 through zone 8. They will grow in full sun as well as partial shade. They prefer well-drained soil that is slightly acidic with a pH of 5.8 to 6.5. Be careful not to over-water them. Like many native plants, asters are drought tolerant and prefer less water. They are also susceptible to powdery mildew so it is best to water them at the roots rather than from overhead.

Asters have been heavily hybridized so they range in size from groundcover plants of only 4 inches tall to the 3 feet height that is the norm for native asters. The taller varieties should be staked to prevent them from falling over in the wind.

Like mums, asters are photoperiodic. Starting at the end of August as the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer, asters begin to set buds which will bloom in September. To maximize the number of flowers, pinch your plants early in the growing season to make them bushier and produce more blooms.

After the first hard frost, when the foliage has died, cut the entire plant down to the ground and remove the dead plant material from the garden. Don’t worry, the roots are still alive underground. Your asters will be back in the spring.

The name “aster” is from an ancient Greek word meaning star which refers to the shape of the flower.

Propagation

Asters can be grown from seed, but germination is spotty. The seeds need to be cold stratified before you plant them. Keep them in your refrigerator for 4 to 6 weeks and then direct sow them outside after all danger of frost.

Most gardeners purchase asters as plants in the fall. They should be planted as soon as possible to give them a chance to settle into their new home and develop their root system which will help them survive the winter.

Whichever way you start your plants, you should provide them with generous spacing in your garden, usually 1’ to 3’ apart depending on their size. Proper spacing allows for air circulation which will prevent powdery mildew from developing on your plants.

Other uses

Asters make excellent cut flowers. Beware! Bees love them so harvest your flowers later in the day after the bees have gone home.

Butterflies also love asters so be sure to plant a few in your butterfly garden. Since they bloom at the end of the summer as the monarchs are heading south for their winter homes in Mexico, asters provide a critical food source for them.

Comments

No HTML is allowed in comments, but URLs will be hyperlinked. Comments are not for promoting your articles or other sites.

sending

Author

Caren White 2 years agofrom Franklin Park, NJ

Barbara, you'll love them! They are so colorful and so easy to grow. Thank you for reading and commenting.

Barbara Badder 2 years agofrom USA

I have almost every perennial under the sun, but I don't have asters. It is time I got some.

Author

Caren White 2 years agofrom Franklin Park, NJ

So glad you enjoyed it, Athlyn. Thank you for reading, commenting and liking.

Athlyn Green 2 years agofrom West Kootenays

This is a great idea for a hub. Our wonderful fall flowers extend the season. Liked.

Author

Caren White 2 years agofrom Franklin Park, NJ

You're so welcome, Elsie! If you don't find any in the spring, next fall you might have better luck. Nurseries like to sell plants when they are blooming because they are more attractive then. Thank you for reading and commenting.

Elsie Hagley 2 years agofrom New Zealand

Interesting hub. I used to have asters many years ago, but I have forgotten about them, I don't know why because they are a very beautiful. Must see if I can find some plants in the nursery now winter is nearly over in NZ. Thanks for the reminder.

Author

Caren White 2 years agofrom Franklin Park, NJ

Pawpaw, I hope that you do! You won't be disappointed. They are beautiful, longlasting and easy to grow. Thank you for reading and commenting.

Jim 2 years agofrom Kansas

I really need to add some of these to our garden. I had some many years ago.